In-form Janmaat started in Wednesday night’s defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, but came off at half-time for debutant Kevin Mbabu.

“He (Janmaat) was feeling a little dizzy in the first half, so he said he couldn’t continue, so young Kevin came on and I thought he did very well,” said Steve McClaren, in quotes published by the Chronicle.

Newcastle also face a crisis on the opposite flank, with both Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara out injured. Rolando Aarons was expected to cover for the absent Haidara last night, but picked up an injury on the eve of the game.

Their fitness troubles add to that of Cheick Tiote, Karl Darlow, Emmanuel Riviere and Stephen Taylor, and McClaren has admitted it’s a difficult time for his team.

“We will assess over the next few days if we will have anybody back for Saturday,” said McClaren.

“You know, I think we have to take a roll call and have a look at things.”

The visit of the reigning champions is the last thing Newcastle need at the moment, and there are fears over the type of result it might produce.